Golf ball teeing device and method of use

ABSTRACT

A golf ball teeing device and methods of use are described. Embodiments of the golf ball teeing device include a swing arm rotatably coupled to a base. The base can be included to secure the swing arm to a golf mat or the ground. In a general operation, a golf ball can be moved to a cradle of the swing arm using a golf club. The golf club can then be used to engage and rotate the swing arm. As the swing arm is rotated, the golf ball can follow a track to an aperture. After the swing arm has rotated approximately 120 degrees, the golf ball can exit the aperture and deposit onto a tee. In some embodiments, a biasing structure can be included to return the swing arm to a starting position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/143,621, filed Dec. 30, 2013. This application claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/828,007, filed 28 May 2013.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a popular sport requiring significant amounts of practice tocreate an easily repetitive swing. To create a repetitive swing, manygolfers spend countless hours hitting golf balls at a driving range. Oneof the most commonly practiced shots by amateurs is the tee shot, wherea player generally uses a metal wood and hits a ball off of a tee. Whenhitting off natural grass, the player will likely need to insert a newtee after each shot. Some stalls at golf ranges include rubber tees foruse on artificial tee boxes.

Although the time required to put a ball on a tee may seem minute, overthe course of a year the time can add up to valuable time lost notpracticing. As such, the time and energy required to set a ball on a teereduces the number of balls a golfer can hit in a given period of time.Further, tee shots require the player to continuously bend over andplace the ball on the tee. In addition to strain created by repetitivelystriking a golf ball, bending over and teeing golf balls creates stressand strain on the body.

A less strenuous method of teeing a golf ball is needed to reduce stressand strain on a body of a golfer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a teeing device according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a swing arm according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a front view of a swing arm according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2C is a back view of a swing arm according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2D is a back perspective view of a swing arm according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a first step of a teeing device teeing a golfball according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a side view of a second step of a teeing device teeing a golfball according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is a side view of a third step of a teeing device teeing a golfball according to one embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a teeing device according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a teeing device interfacing with a golfmat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a teeing device integrated with a golfmat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention include a golf ball teeing deviceadapted to place a golf ball on a tee. The teeing device can beimplemented so that a golfer can place a golf ball on a tee usinghis/her golf club without bending over. Generally, the teeing device canbe actuated by a golf club interfacing with the teeing device. In someembodiments, the teeing device can include a tee. For instance, theteeing device can include a removable rubber tee for use whenpracticing. In some embodiments, the teeing device can be implemented ata driving range. For instance, the teeing device can be adapted tocouple to a range mat proximate a rubber tee of the range mat.

Generally, the teeing device can include a swing arm rotatably coupledto a base. The swing arm can include a pair of flanges, a ramp, a track,an aperture, and a cradle formed between the ramp and track. The swingarm can be adapted to receive and deposit a golf ball on a tee. The basecan generally include one or more holes, a biasing structure, and aprotrusion. Depending on an implementation, the base can be adapted tosecure to the ground or a golf mat.

In a typical implementation, the teeing device can be secured to theground via the base. A golf club can be used to roll a golf ball towardsthe swing arm. When the ball interfaces with the swing arm, the ball canbe moved to the cradle. The ball can be held in the cradle until theswing arm is rotated. Generally, the swing arm can be contoured tointerface with a golf club. As the swing arm is rotated by the golfclub, the ball can move from the cradle and roll down the track to theaperture. The swing arm can rotate such that the aperture ends updirectly above a tee. The ball can pass through the aperture and bedeposited onto the tee. In some embodiments, the teeing device caninclude the biasing structure to return the swing arm back to anoriginal position. After the teeing device moves out of the way, thegolf ball can be hit off the tee.

TERMINOLOGY

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in thissection are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in thisTerminology section applied to them throughout this document, includingin the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further,as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of theword or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of thedefined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims isnot meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning eitheror both.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”,“another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternativeembodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases meanthat a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least anembodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in oneembodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in variousplaces in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to thesame embodiment or the same variation.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification andappended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical connectionbetween the identified elements, components, or objects. Often themanner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner inwhich the two coupled elements interact.

The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in thisspecification and appended claims, refers to a physical connectionbetween identified elements, components, or objects, in which no otherelement, component, or object resides between those identified as beingdirectly coupled.

The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appendedclaims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given.

The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims,refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given.

The terms “generally” and “substantially,” as used in this specificationand appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most part.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left,right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front andlateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specificorientation of a applicable element or article, and are used accordinglyto aid in the description of the various embodiments and are notnecessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

The term “golf mat,” as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, refers to a piece of artificial grass or turf, used specificallyfor practicing golf shots.

The term “golf club,” as used in the specification and the appendedclaims, refers to all types of golf clubs including, but not limited to,metal woods, irons, and putters.

A First Embodiment of a Golf Ball Teeing Device

Referring to FIG. 1, a detailed diagram of an embodiment 100 showing agolf ball teeing device is illustrated. The teeing device 100 can beimplemented to place a golf ball on a golf tee. In one embodiment, theteeing device 100 can be actuated using a golf club. Referring to FIGS.2A-2D, detailed diagrams of a swing arm 102 of the teeing device 100 areillustrated. FIGS. 3A-3C show one embodiment of a process 300 forimplementing the teeing device 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the teeing device 100 generally includes a swing arm102 and a base 104. In some embodiments, the teeing device 100 caninclude a tee 105, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. For instance, the tee 105can be a standard wooden golf tee, a plastic tee, or a rubber tee. It isto be appreciated that one of a plurality of types of golf tees can beimplemented with the teeing device 100.

As shown generally in FIGS. 2A-2D, the swing arm 102 can include a pairof flanges 106, a ramp 108, a cradle 110, a track 112, an aperture 114,and an attachment structure 116. Generally, the swing arm 102 can beadapted to interface with a golf club. For instance, the swing arm 102can have generally concave face adapted to interface with a golf club,as shown in FIG. 2A. It is to be appreciated that a golf club caninclude, but is not limited to, a metal wood, an iron, and/or a putter.

The pair of flanges 106 can be angled to form a funnel towards the ramp108, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. For instance, the pair of flanges 106 canform a mouth adapted to receive a golf ball. Generally, the pair offlanges 106 can be implemented to funnel golf balls toward the ramp 108.

The ramp 108 can be included to elevate a golf ball off of a surface tothe cradle 110. It is to be appreciated that the surface can include,but is not limited to, a golf mat, grass, and other surfaces typicallyencountered while playing golf. In one embodiment, the ramp 108 can beangled at approximately 45 degrees relative to the surface when theswing arm 102 is placed on the surface. It is to be appreciated that theramp 108 can have varying degrees of incline without deviating from ascope of the present invention.

The cradle 110 can generally be located between the ramp 108 and aproximal end of the track 112. As shown in FIG. 2B, the cradle 110 canbe formed by an upper end of the ramp 108 and the proximal end of thetrack 112. When in the cradle 110, a golf ball can be elevated off thesurface and held in place. When the swing arm 102 is rotated about theattachment structure 116, the golf ball can move from the cradle 110 andengage the track 112.

The track 112 can guide a golf ball from the cradle 110 to the aperture114. As shown in FIG. 2B, the track 112 can be located above the ramp108 such that a golf ball can rest in the cradle 110. As the swing arm102 is rotated, as shown in FIGS. 3B-3C, the golf ball can move from thecradle 110 and roll down the track 112.

In one embodiment, the track 112 can include a first rail 130 and asecond rail 132, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. Generally, a gap betweenthe first rail 130 and the second rail 132 can have a width that can beslightly less than a diameter of a regulation golf ball. It is to beappreciated that other types of tracks can be implemented withoutexceeding a scope of the present invention. For instance, a single pieceof material forming a slide can be implemented to form the track.

As the golf ball travels down the track 112, the golf ball can fallthrough the aperture 114 at a distal end of the track 112, as shown inFIG. 3C.

Generally, the aperture 114 and the tee 105 can be substantiallyconcentric when the swing arm 102 is rotated approximately 120-130degrees from a first position 118 to a second position 120, as shown inFIGS. 3A-3C and described in more detail hereinafter.

The attachment structure 116 can be adapted to couple the swing arm 102to the base 104. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the attachment structure 116can include two pins orthogonally situated to the swing arm 102.Generally, the attachment structure 116 can rotatably couple the swingarm 102 to the base 104. For instance, a hinged connection can beimplemented to secure the swing arm 102 to the base 104. It is to beappreciated that other structures and means can be implemented torotatably couple the swing arm 102 to the base 104.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the base 104 can generally include one or moreholes 140, an attachment structure 142, a biasing structure 144, and aprotrusion 146.

The one or more holes 140 can be implemented to secure the base 104 to asurface. Generally, a securement structure 148 can be implemented tosecure the base 104 to a surface, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. For instance,if the surface is grass, a tee can be inserted into each of the holes140 to secure the base 104 to the ground. In another instance, a spikehaving a head with a diameter greater than the hole 140 can be insertedinto the ground through each of the holes 140. In yet another instance,u-shaped pins can be inserted into each of the holes 140 to secure thebase 104 to the ground. It is to be appreciated that a variety ofsecurement structures can be implemented without exceeding a scope ofthe present invention.

The attachment structure 142 can be included to couple the base 104 tothe swing arm 102. For instance, the attachment structure 142 can beadapted to receive pins of the swing arm attachment structure 116. It isto be appreciated that the base attachment structure 142 can be adaptedto couple to the swing arm attachment structure 116. In one embodiment,the base attachment structure 142 can be removably and rotatably coupledto the swing arm attachment structure 116. For instance, a pair of hingepins can be implemented to hingeably connect the swing arm 102 to thebase 104. In one embodiment, the hinge pins can be molded into one ofthe swing arm 102 and the base 104 with the other having receiving holesfor the hinge pins molded or otherwise formed into it.

The biasing structure 144 can be included to provide a restorative forceto the swing arm 102. In embodiments including the biasing structure144, the swing arm 102 can include an engagement bar 117, as showngenerally in FIGS. 1-2D. The engagement bar 117 can be adapted tointerface with the biasing structure 144. For instance, when the swingarm 102 is rotated, the biasing structure 144 can exert a force on theengagement bar 117. In another instance, the biasing structure 144 canapply a restorative biasing force to the engagement bar 117. In oneembodiment, the biasing structure 144 can be manufactured from aresilient material.

In one embodiment, the biasing structure 144 can comprise a structuremolded into the swing arm 102 or the base 104. For instance, anelongated generally planar tab adapted to brace against the engagementbar 117 and bend when the swing arm 102 is moved by a golf club, therebyapplying a restorative biasing force. In another embodiment, the biasingstructure 144 can be a spring integrated into the base attachmentstructure 142 and/or the swing arm attachment structure 106. Forinstance, a torsion spring can be implemented. In another instance, atorsion bar can be implemented. It is to be appreciated that otherstructures having properties similar to a spring can be implementedwithout deviating from a scope of the present invention. The biasingstructure 144 can be provided to return the swing arm 102 to the firstposition 118 from the second position 120.

To properly place the tee 105 in relation to the teeing device 100, theprotrusion 146 can be included with the base 104. A distal end of theprotrusion 146 can be located approximate a center of the aperture 114when the swing arm 102 is rotated approximately 120 degrees. Forinstance, the tee 105 can be placed approximate the distal end of theprotrusion 146. Generally, the protrusion 146 can be implemented todetermine a location of the tee 105.

Generally, the swing arm 102 and the base 104 can be made of a polymericmaterial, such as nylon, which may or may not include reinforcingfibers. For instance, reinforcing fibers can include, but is not limitedto, fiberglass and carbon fiber. In one embodiment, the swing arm 102and the base 104 can be injection molded and later joined together by ahinge assembly. In another embodiment, the swing arm 102 and the base104 can comprise a single molded unit joined together with a livinghinge. It is to be appreciated that the swing arm 102 and the base 104can be made of other materials, such as aluminum, steel or other metal.

The design and construction of the base 104 and, more particularly, thetee 105 can be such that the base 104 and the tee 105 can withstandmultiple and repeated high velocity hits by a head of a golf clubwithout breaking. Although not shown, in some embodiments, one or morespikes can protrude from a bottom of the base 102 to help secure theteeing device 100 into the ground. The spikes can prevent the teeingdevice 100 from flying out off the ground and requiring retrieval andreplacement by a golfer every time he/she accidentally hits the base 104with a club. In one embodiment, the base 104 can have a flat bottom asthe energy of a missed swing will be transferred to the base 104 andcause the teeing device 100 to go flying rather than increasing aprobability that the tee 105 breaks.

A Method for Using the First Embodiment of a Golf Ball Teeing Device

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, detailed diagrams of the teeing device 100being implemented at various steps of a method or process 200 areillustrated. FIGS. 3A-3C show the swing arm 102 rotating from the firstposition 118 to the second position 120. The first embodiment teeingdevice 100 can be implemented to tee a golf ball on a tee using a golfclub.

In a first step 202, shown in FIG. 3A, a golfer can use a head 152 of agolf club 150 to drag, slide, or roll a golf ball 160 to the mouth 106of the teeing device 100. As the golf ball enters the mouth 106 of theswing arm 102, the golf ball 160 can be moved to the cradle 110. Thegolf ball 160 can rest in the cradle 110 while the golfer moves the golfclub head 152 to interact with the swing arm 102.

In a second step 204, after the golf ball 160 is in the cradle 110, thegolfer can use the golf club head 152 to interact with the swing arm102, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The golfer can use the golf club head152 to rotate the swing arm 102 approximately 120 degrees from the firstposition 118 to the second position 120. As the swing arm 102 isrotated, the golf ball 160 can move from the cradle 110 to the tracks112 of the swing arm 102, as shown in FIG. 3B.

In a third step 206, the golf ball 160 can go through the aperture 114of the swing arm 102 and be deposited on the tee 105, as shown in FIG.3C. In some embodiments, where the teeing device 100 includes a biasingmechanism, the swing arm 102 can rotate back to the first position 118after the golf ball 160 has been deposited on the tee 105. In oneembodiment, the golfer can manually rotate the swing arm 102 back to thefirst position 118.

A Second Embodiment of a Golf Ball Teeing Device

Referring to FIG. 4, a detailed diagram of an embodiment 300 showing agolf ball teeing device is illustrated. The teeing device 300 can beimplemented to place a golf ball on a practice golf tee.

The teeing device 300 can generally be similar to the first embodimentteeing device 100. The teeing device 300 can include a swing arm 302 anda base 304. The swing arm 302 can be substantially similar to the firstembodiment swing arm 102.

The base 304 can be similar to the first embodiment base 104, but caninclude an aperture 306 at a distal end of a protrusion 308. Theaperture 306 can be adapted to removably receive a tee 310. The aperture306 can be sized to snuggly receive the tee 310. In one embodiment, thebase 302 and the tee 310 can comprise separate and distinct elementswherein the tee 310 can be placed in aperture 306 provided at the distalend of the protrusion 308. In one embodiment, the base 304 can becomprised of a more rigid material while the tee 310 can be comprised ofa more compliant material including, but not limited to, an elastomerthat elastically deforms rather than breaks under impact. In oneembodiment, the tee 310 can be replaceable should the tee 310 becomedamaged.

In one embodiment, the tee 310 can be a practice tee. For instance, thepractice tee 310 can be a typical rubber tee found at driving ranges. Inone embodiment, the practice tee 310 can be attached to the protrusion308. For instance, the tee 310 can be a vertical extension of theprotrusion 308.

A Third Embodiment of a Golf Ball Teeing Device

Referring to FIG. 5, a detailed diagram of an embodiment 400 showing agolf ball teeing device is illustrated. The teeing device 400 can beimplemented to attach to a practice golf mat. For instance, the teeingdevice 400 can be removably coupled to a practice mat at a drivingrange.

The teeing device 400 can include a swing arm 402 and an attachmentstructure 404. The swing arm 402 can be substantially similar to thefirst embodiment swing arm 102. Generally, the swing arm 402 can berotatably coupled to the attachment structure 404. For instance, theswing arm 402 can have a hinged connection to the attachment structure404. It is to be appreciated that any type of connection that rotatablycouples the swing arm 402 to the attachment structure 404 can beimplemented without exceeding a scope of the present invention.

The attachment structure 404 can be adapted to be removably coupled to apractice golf mat. For instance, the attachment structure 404 caninclude a pair of clamps. For example, the pair of clamps can be springclamps. In another instance, the attachment structure 404 can include apiece of rigid material adapted to slide under the golf mat 406. Therigid piece of material can interface with a side of the golf mat 406 toprevent the attachment structure 404 from sliding completely under thegolf mat 406. In yet another instance, the attachment structure 404 canhave a u-shaped body adapted to interface with a side of the golf mat406.

As shown in FIG. 5, the swing arm 402 can be coupled to the golf mat 406proximate a practice tee 408. The teeing device 400 can be adapted to beused in conjunction with existing practice tees.

A Fourth Embodiment of a Golf Ball Teeing Device

Referring to FIG. 6, a detailed diagram of an embodiment 500 showing agolf ball teeing device is illustrated. The teeing device 500 can beintegrated with a practice golf mat. For instance, the teeing device 500can be directly coupled to a practice mat.

The teeing device 500 can include a swing arm 502 and an attachmentstructure 504. The swing arm 502 can be substantially similar to thefirst embodiment swing arm 102. Typically, the swing arm 502 can berotatably coupled to the attachment structure 504. In one embodiment,the swing arm 502 can have a hinged connection to the attachmentstructure 504. It is to be appreciated that any type of connection thatrotatably couples the swing arm 502 to the attachment structure 504 canbe implemented without exceeding a scope of the present invention.

Generally, the attachment structure 504 can be directly coupled to thepractice golf mat 506. In one embodiment, the attachment structure 504can be integrated into the golf mat 506, as shown in FIG. 6. As shown,the attachment structure 504 can have an attachment portion thereof on atop surface of the golf mat 504. The swing arm 502 can be rotatablyattached to the attachment portion of the attachment structure 504.

In one embodiment, the attachment structure 504 can be adapted toreceive pins of the swing arm 502. For instance, a pair of hinge pinscan be implemented to hingeably connect the swing arm 502 to theattachment structure 504. In one embodiment, the hinge pins can bemolded into one of the swing arm 502 and the attachment structure 504with the other having receiving holes for the hinge pins molded orotherwise formed into it.

In one embodiment, although not shown, the attachment structure 504 caninclude a biasing structure. For instance, the biasing structure can bea spring integrated into the attachment structure 504 and/or the swingarm 502. For instance, a torsion spring can be implemented. The biasingstructure can apply a restorative biasing force to the swing arm 502.

As shown in FIG. 6, the swing arm 502 can be coupled to the attachmentstructure 504 proximate a practice tee 508. The teeing device 500 can beadapted to be used in conjunction with existing practice tees.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in theaccompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary andare not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to beappreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have beencontemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art,given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the inventionthat read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to bewithin the scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A golf ball teeing device for use with a tee, the golf ball teeing device comprising: a base; and a swing arm rotatably coupled to the base, wherein the swing arm (i) includes a mouth and an aperture, (ii) is adapted to guide a golf ball from the mouth to the aperture, and (iii) rotates from a first position to a second position; wherein the mouth of the swing arm is proximate a playing surface in the first position and the aperture and the tee are adapted to be substantially concentric when the swing arm is in the second position.
 2. The golf ball teeing device of claim 1, wherein the swing arm rotates at least 108 degrees from the first position to the second position
 3. The golf ball teeing device of claim 1, wherein the tee is located proximate a protrusion of the swing arm.
 4. The golf ball teeing device of claim 3, wherein the protrusion includes an aperture adapted to removably receive the tee.
 5. The golf ball teeing device of claim 1, wherein the swing arm includes a biasing structure that provides a restorative force to the swing arm when the swing arm is in the second position.
 6. The golf ball teeing device of claim 1, wherein the swing arm rotates approximately 120-130 degrees from the first position to the second position.
 7. The golf ball teeing device of claim 1, wherein the base includes one or more spikes protruding from a bottom of the base.
 8. The golf ball teeing device of claim 1, wherein the swing arm is contoured to interface with a golf club.
 9. A golf ball teeing device for a golf mat having a rubber tee, the golf ball teeing device comprising: an attachment structure adapted to removably couple to the golf mat; and a swing arm rotatably coupled to the attachment structure, wherein the swing arm (i) includes a mouth and an aperture, (ii) is adapted to guide a golf ball from the mouth to the aperture, and (iii) rotates from a first position to a second position; wherein the mouth of the swing arm is proximate a playing surface of the golf mat in the first position and the aperture and the rubber tee are adapted to be substantially concentric when the swing arm is in the second position.
 10. The golf ball teeing device of claim 9, wherein the swing arm rotates at least 108 degrees from the first position to the second position.
 11. The golf ball teeing device of claim 9, wherein the attachment structure couples the swing arm to the golf mat approximate the rubber tee.
 12. The golf ball teeing device of claim 9, wherein the swing arm rotates approximately 120-130 degrees from the first position to the second position.
 13. The golf ball teeing device of claim 9, wherein the attachment structure includes a biasing structure.
 14. The golf ball teeing device of claim 13, wherein the biasing structure provides a restorative force to the swing arm when the swing arm is in the second position.
 15. The golf ball teeing device of claim 9, wherein the swing arm is contoured to interface with a golf club.
 16. The golf ball teeing device of claim 9, wherein the attachment structure includes a pair of spring clamps.
 17. A golf ball teeing device for a golf mat having a tee, the golf ball teeing device comprising: an attachment structure integrated into the golf mat; and a swing arm rotatably coupled to the attachment structure, wherein the swing arm (i) includes a mouth and an aperture, (ii) is adapted to guide a golf ball from the mouth to the aperture, and (iii) rotates from a first position to a second position; wherein the mouth of the swing arm is proximate a playing surface of the golf mat in the first position and the aperture and the tee are adapted to be substantially concentric when the swing arm is in the second position.
 18. The golf ball teeing device of claim 17, wherein the swing arm rotates at least 108 degrees from the first position to the second position.
 19. The golf ball teeing device of claim 17, wherein the swing arm is contoured to interface with a golf club.
 20. The golf ball teeing device of claim 17, wherein the swing arm rotates approximately 120-130 degrees from the first position to the second position. 